BGMEA suspends services to 160 factories

The BGMEA has suspended 'utilisation declaration' (UD) certificates—mandatory export documents—of 160 of its members for not sparing adequate space on rooftops of the factories.
To facilitate exit in cases of fire, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association stipulates at least 25 percent open space on a building's rooftop.
“Our inspection teams found zero open space in some of the factories,” said Shahidullah Azim, vice-president of BGMEA.
The factories, however, can have it reinstated if they re-arrange their rooftop layout to leave 25 percent open space.
“At least 12 factories that had their UD suspended got it back after managing the requisite open space on rooftops,” he said, adding that the BGMEA is very strict regarding the issue.
The suspension of UD certificates means the BGMEA will not give these factories a vital export document that gives details about the use of imported fabrics and accessories in garment production.
The move comes after the Obama administration put pressure on Bangladesh to improve factory conditions, a requirement to regain trade privileges from the United States.